A Living, Growing Photography Exhibition On Malaysia

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serendah

Under clear blue skies, flowering blady grass patches appear like stalks from golden wheat fields. I was waylaid by charming Serendah for a few wonderful days. Happy to encounter new places, good food, four-legged friends and hospitable locals there.

From waterfalls to lakes to the rural landscape; Serendah bristle with natural beauty. It is such an under-promoted and unsung eco-tourism destination.

I think a hipster will trade his or her mason jar lamp (with the coffee filter shade) for a chance to do a selfie or a yoga pose on this balcony. Every fitting is intentionally hipsterish. The furniture is chicken (wire) coop style, similar to those found in KLPAC grounds or in Publika. Don't ask me about the significance of that rusted and cracked wok (kuali) on the floor, though. Lol.

We finally reached the peak and before my eyes was a double-storey glass chalet. Megharaj pulled down the attic-like stairs and we did the final climb.

Wow! A room in a rainforest walled-in and roofed by glass. I can sleep and look at the twinkling stars at night, throw stones and walk around naked. I have never slept in a glass house before and I wanted it right away.

He bowed with hands clasped. My hands were clasped too after swatting one of the many mosquitoes buzzing around us.

Under the darkness of the rainforest canopy, surrounded by bamboo and wild rubber trees, was a mysterious, twisting gangway that goes further uphill. Up it, the two of us went.

My sherpa was really helpful. He held me by the collar when I leaned over too much at a ravine to take pictures. At slippery narrow stretches, he lead me by holding my hand, Instagram lover-style. At steep gradients, he dragged me up the mountain Hillary-style.

The inhabitants here are of the Temuan tribe and indeed there is a dog at every turn. Aboriginal dogs were originally kept as hunting dogs and were lean and mean.

Acting also as guard dogs for those staying deep in the jungles, they alert human companions to approaching wild boars, bears and other aggressive wildlife. Importantly, they provide endless fun and companionship for Orang Asli children growing up without toys, gadgets and electricity.

The holes were located in a lonely but beautiful park in Serendah. Not sure if it was the threatening rain clouds or the mystery of the holes that made everything there very eerie.

Since the sink hole strainers are missing, do I dive into one of the 'rabbit holes' and will it take me to Wonderland? Apparently not; as further investigation revealed the water flowing into underground channels and released, like sewer, a little further down the cascaded river.

Not since Chamang Falls, have I seen a massive, roaring waterfall so accessible. One can literally drive to the edge of its drop pool. Unlike the one in Bentong, this Serandah drive-in waterfall is not far from the main road.

Photography Notes: Without ND filters and a tripod, I opted for the opposite end of the speed spectrum. Instead of using a slow shutter for a silky effect. I used a fast shutter to crystallise the droplets and spray.

I asked a friendly local for food recommendations. He suggested the Chinese Tom Yum stall down the road and I went there right away. Since the shop was quite busy, service was understandably slow. So I cleaned my lenses and a lady finally came to take my order.